03 October 2012

GAMBIA : Basketball Referees, Coaches Training Ends

A five-day Basketball referees and coaches training course organised by The Gambia Basketball Association (GBA) in collaboration with the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports wrapped-up at the weekend.The training was held at the GNOC Resource Centre along the Bertil Harding Highway in Mile 7, Bakau.

The training, which involved participants from the regions in the Gambia is aimed at developing the capacity and knowledge of the referees and coaches from these regions for them to be familiar with the rules and regulations in basketball and to also recruit new referees.
Speaking at the training, the PRO of the GBA, Sandigie Njie, expressed delight to be part of the initiative. He stated that basketball was among the top games in the past years, but due to reasons that are unknown, the game became dormant. He further stated that, though it's a challenge on them but with commitment, respect, obedience and hard work, the association will attain it's goals. He commended the GNOC and Quality Printing Plus for working tirelessly for the success of the event.
Deputising for the minister of Youth and Sports, Malang Jassey, deputy permanent secretary MoYS, explained that, the training is classified as a capacity building and will help the participants to know the rules and get familiar with them. He said the three organisations would work closely and tirelessly to make sure that basketball stands on its feat in The Gambia. He also assured that, the door to the ministry is always open for the youth.
For his part, Papa Njie, the president of the GBA, stressed that the association does not belong to individuals but the whole Gambia, most especially youths who are the leaders of the world. He further stated that the training was meant for participants to be familiar with the rules of the game because a player cannot be complete without the knowledge of the game. Njie also stressed the need for infrastructure which according to him is their main obstacle while challenging the trainees to help in building a female Basketball team.
Moses Njie, a referee and trainer of the event, explained that the training would help referees, coaches and players to know the rules and regulations of the game. Certificates were awarded to the participants at the end of the training.